History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan, Part 119

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co.
Number of Pages: 818

USA > Michigan > St Clair County > History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan > Part 119

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The village records from 1866 to 1876, cannot be found at date of writing. In 1867, Val- entine A. Saph was elected President, and in 1871, D. Lester.

1876-President, L. B. Parker; Trustees, G. Francis, R. Holland, G. Koenig, W. B. Morley, J. C. Durling and A. McElroy.

1877-President, Gregory Francis; Trustees, G. Koenig, V. L. Souer, F. Hart, A. B. Clough, W. B. Morley, George King, A. McElroy.

1878-President, A. B. Clough; Trustees, Volma, Woodworth, Hart, Bennett, Francis, Souer.

1879-President, W. B. Morley; Trustees, S. Duff, J. Bernetz, J. Dornoff.

1880-President, Frank Hart; Trustees. H. Koebel, W. Jones, N. Staley, G. S. Donohue.

1881-President, Robert Holland; Trustees, J. Woods, W. Anderson, J. Dornoff.

1882-President, Valentine Saph; Trustees, J. Robertson, N. Staley, Dr, R. B. Baird, W. B. Morley, J. Woods, W. S. Roberts; Clerk, C. H. Saph; Marshal, H. G. Street; Assessor, C. A. Blood; Engineer, George Hornbustle; Chief of Fire Department, Dr. L. B. Parker.

THE VILLAGE RE-CHARTERED.

The rechartering of Marine City, in 1879, provided for holding the annual meeting on the second Monday of March instead of the first Tuesday of that month, as was formerly the cus- tom. A bill containing this and other provisions was brought forward by Senator McElroy February 17, 1879, which passed both branches of the Legislature March 6, and was approved May 3, 1879, substantially as follows: "The People of the State of Michigan enact, That all that tract of country in the county of St. Clair in the State of Michigan, described as follows, to wit: Commencing at the northwest corner of fractional section number six, in Township 3 North of Range number 17 East, at the northeast corner of said township on the margin of St. Clair River, thence west, on the north line of said township to the center of Belle River; thence southeasterly down the center of said river to the junction of Belle River and St. Clair River; thence northeasterly up the west channel bank of the St. Clair River to the place of beginning, be and the same hereby is re-incorporated under the name and title of the village of Marine City.

"The officers in said village now in office shall continue in office with the same powers; and shall perform the same duties as are conferred by this act upon like officers, until their successors shall be elected and qualified to enter upon the duties of their respective offices, pursuant to the provisions of this act and the general law relating to villages, entitled 'An act granting and defining the powers and duties of incorporated villages,' approved April 1, 1875.

"All ordinances, by-laws, orders and resolutions of said village shall continue in force un- til modified or repealed.

"The first election under this act shall be held on the second Monday in March, 1880, at

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the village hall, in said village of Marine City. Notice of the time and place of holding said election shall be given in the same manner as is provided in section four of chapter three of said general law relating to villages above mentioned, and the manner of conducting said elec- tion shall be the same as provided in said act.

"Said village of Marine City is hereby made subject to the general law, entitled 'An act granting and defining the powers and duties of incorporated villages,' approved April 1, 1875, and shall possess all the powers and be subject to all of the duties and liabilities of said act.

"The said village of Marine City as re-incorporated, shall own and possess all of the property and rights of whatever kind or nature, and be subject to all of the liabilities and obligations of the said village as heretofore incorporated."

SALT WELL.

The Marine City salt well was bored to a depth of 1,748 feet, July 22, 1882. The boring of this well originated in the belief that there were large quantities of brine or salt beneath the Marine City stave company. Thinking that the manufacture of salt would work well in connection with the manufacture of staves and heading, on account of refuse and cheap fuel. barrels, excellent shipping facilities, etc., decided to sink a salt well, and now their most sanguine expectations have been met and they have a well second to none in the country, and unquestionably the best in Michigan. At a depth of about 750 feet, brine was found, after which a splendid quality of mineral water(some of which has been preserved) similar and equal to the Mt. Clemens and St. Clair waters. At a depth of 850 feet, something rare in the shape of sulphur, in bard, clear chunks, was pumped from the well. Since 900 to 1,000 feet were reached, the nature of the stratas were hard, mostly lime rock, and probably dry. At 1,633 feet, there were indications of salt, and dry chippings of the rock were brought up. From that time until the present depth, 1,748 feet, the grindings pumped out were pure as salt.

NEWSPAPERS.

The first newspaper published at Marine City was the Gazette, in 1874, with P. D. Bis- sell, now of St. Ignace, editor. The Marine City Express was published by the St. Clair Re- publican. The Reporter was founded by Messrs. Blood & Huntoon. In December, 1881, the office passed into the hands of W. N. Miller, formerly of the Mount Clemens Republican, by whom it has since been conducted. A reference is made to these newspapers in the gen- eral history.

THE UNION SCHOOL.

The schoolhouse was built in 1870; $15 000. The first Principal was George R. Whit- more. The building is 60 feet in length by 58 feet in breadth, with a total elevation from the ground to cupola of 77 feet. It is three stories high, the first story being 12 feet from floor to ceiling, the second fourteen feet, and the third sixteen feet. The edifice is built in the form of the Greek cross, from designs by Hon. Benjamin S. Horton, and the drawings reflect credit upon that gentleman's skill as an architect. The mason work was performed by Stephen Mit- tig, of St. Clair, and the joiner work by George Langell, of Marine City.

RELIGIOUS HISTORY.

The first church built in St. Clair County was the Catholic Church at Cottrellville, and was erected while Michigan was a Territory. It was situated on the Cottrell farm, two miles below Marine City, on the St. Clair River, but was torn down, or washed away by the river many years ago. The Catholic Church of Marine City was built in 1849, and was originally a very small and plain edifice, 60 feet in length by 35 feet in width. In 1864, the building was enlarged by adding 17 feet to the front and a new steeple built over the addition. In 1866, the building was again enlarged, the addition being two wings, one on each side, and an ex- tension of the main building to the rear, the edifice now being cruciform. The building is now, as before, 35 feet in width, except at the arms of the cross, where it is seventy-five feet, und the entire length is 112 feet. The congregation now numbers 180 families, the principal nationalities being French (American and Canadian), Irish and German. The affairs of the

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

church are in a prosperous condition, and the educational facilities in connection has given considerable impetus and influence to this denomination. The bell was blessed February 15, 1870.

Catholic Church .- In the history of the church at Port Huron, the early history of the church at Marine City is given. In 1855, Rev. Father Werlhe became first resident pastor of Marine City, and was at the same time appointed pastor of the church at St. Clair. He built the house of worship in the village. Rev. Father Francis succeeded him in the pastorate. Rev. Mr. Lambert, now of New Baltimore, succeeded Father Francis, and under his direction the church building was enlarged, a Catholic school and parsonage erected, and other improve- ments made at an aggregate cost of $12,000. In 1874, Father Lambert resigned the charge, when Rev. F. Van Straelen was appointed.

Rev. Joseph Medar took charge of the parish of Holy Cross December 8, 1881, and is the present pastor. The congregation of Marine City is 250 families, or about 1,200.

St. Joseph's School, the first Catholic school in the county, is in connection with the Church of the Holy Cross. Its location is four and one-half miles northwest of Marine City.

The school of Marine City is conducted by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception.

Methodist Episcopal Church .- Every effort was made to obtain a look into the old records of the society, but without success. They could not be found. However, the following roll of pastors who served the church since 1861 was made out from recollection of members and present records: Rev. Arthur Edwards, 1861; Rev. R. S. Parthington, 1861; Rev. George W. Lowe, 1863; Rev. James Vining, 1865; Rev. Irving House, supply; Rev. H. Mentse, Ger- man Methodist Episcopal Church; Rev. W. Hagadorne, 1867; John Levington, 1869; Rev. C. Anderson, 1869; C. C. Lee, 1870; J. E. Whalen, 1871; E. Pearman, 1872; U. S. Steadman, 1873; Rev. D. W. Misner, 1874; Rev. A. B. Wood, 1876; Rev. J. S. Joslin, 1877; Rev. J. E. Whalen, 1879; Rev. Jacob Horton, 1881.

The old church on Elizabeth street was repaired in 1882, at a cost of about $3,500. It was built twenty-seven years ago. The number of members is seventy-five. The Sunday school claims seventy scholars.

St. Martin's German Evangelical Lutheran Church of Marine City was organized in the fall of 1857 by Rev. Christian Bauer. Previously Rev. Prof. S. Fritchel, of Detroit, grouped the scattered members together, and to him may be credited the formation of the first society. At that time services were held in private residences and schoolhouses. In 1862, the first church building was erected on the site of the present church, and dedicated July 20, same year. Mr. Bauer was succeeded by Rev. Conrad Ide, June 10, 1861. In 1868, July 4, Rev. John Graen- ing assumed pastoral charge and remains pastor up to the present time.

The old church was sold to C. A. Blood, in April, 1881, and the foundation of the new church begun in September, 1881. The cost of this new building was $4,400. It is con- structed of wood, with brick veneer, gothic in style, with tower and spire 100 feet high. It was built from plans by J. C. Kaumeier, of Fort Gratiot, under the supervision of the pastor. The size of the building is 60x36 feet and 30 feet to the ceiling, or 40 feet to apex of roof. Its ded- ication took place November 5, 1882.

The German Evangelical School was taught in the old church until 1881, when the new school, just west of the church was erected, at a cost of $500, including lot. The number of pupils shows an average of fifty. The school is supported by the members of the church, and conducted by Rev. Mr. Graening.

The parsonage was built in 1866, at a cost of $950. It is situated between the church and school. The number of the congregation approximates 225.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church of Marine City was organized in 1863, by Rev. Joseph B. Pritchard, who had charge of the mission at this point, December 14, 1862. The church edi- fice was erected in 1866 at a cost of $3,000. The property is now valued at $3,000. It is a frame building, gothic in style, and situated at the corner of Main street. The original mem- bers were: Mrs. Jane Rust, Alona Rust, William Rust, Mary Rust, John H. Rust, A. B. Clough and Mrs Clough, B. L. Horton, wife and family, D. H. Wescott, wife and family, John Pringle and family, Joseph Luff and family, John McCann, W. Dixon and family. The pastors

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HISTORY OF ST. CLAIR COUNTY.

since Mr. Prichard's time were, Revs. D. H. Lovejoy, G. M. Skinner, Messrs. Smith and Thorpe. Rev. A. B. Flower has been pastor since October, 1875. The congregation averages about seventy-five. Sunday school, sixty-five scholars.

K. of P., Fortress Lodge, Marine City, is governed by the following named officers: W. H. Scott, P. C .; J. A. Ward, C. C .; W. F. Sanber, V. C .; A. B. Flower, Prelate; A. B. Scott, K. of R. S .; I. C. Lester, M. of F .; O. Dandell, M. of F.

Sam Ward Lodge, No. 62, F. & A. M., Marine City, was chartered about forty years ago. Among the charter members were: Sam Ward, D. D. Odell, James Grummond, James For. syth, B. F. Owens, W. A. Bacon, L. B. Parker, Alona Rust, James P. Hagerman, and perhaps one or two others. The present officers are Richard Cottrell, W. M .; T. A. Walker, S. W .; J. C. Durling, J. W .; J. F. Widows, Secretary; Frank Hart, Treasurer; Alfred Brodbridge, I. G .; William Baker, O. G .; A. Shepard, Chaplain.

The People's Club was organized in November, 1882, with forty-four members. The fol- lowing officers were elected: Dr. T. McDonough, President; Albert H. Cottrell, Treasurer; R. McNeil, Secretary.

St. Michael's Benevolent Society of Marine City, adopted articles of association Febru- ary 25, 1876.

CENTENNIAL YEAR.

The observance of the 100th anniversary of the Government was carried out at Marine City with every manifestation of joy. The Gazette, in describing the observance, says: " Usually the early hours of night see the streets deserted, save here and there some gay roysterers re- turning homeward from the 'social,' but Centennial night was an exception. Everybody seemed resolved into a committee of one to welcome the coming of the New Year and the one hundredth anniversary of this country. The gamins were out in tremendous force equipped with pans, oyster cans, fish-horns, and other appalling instruments, and paraded the town, mak- ing a most horrible din. They serenaded any house where they could discover a light, and in many instances were invited in and treated to cider and apples, most people accepting the situation with very good grace. The youngsters had plenty of fun for themselves and consid- erable was left over for older heads. The Centennial arrived in portions of Marine at 11:30 o'clock; in other portions at different times according as different time pieces denoted the hour of 12. The guns of the minutemen cracked here and there, the cannon roared, anvils bel- lowed, the gamins shook up the cow-bells and beat their oyster cans, the church bells clamored most loudly and prolongedly, men hurrahed until they were hoarse, and then hurrahed some more, until all Sombra rubbed its eyes and wondered if an insurrection had broken out in its neigh- bor's limits.

" The morning dawned clear, and it soon became much warmer than many a July day. As if to welcome the joyful anniversary, Nature afforded us a glorious day, and to relieve the heat, sent a lively southern breeze. Soon great activity was noticed in the shipping, and erelong nearly every boat in Marine's grand merchant navy was decked in holiday attire, flinging to the breeze streamers, stars and stripes, ensigns, and every inch of colors possible.

" The example of the T. & S. T. Co.'s line of boats was contagious: up ran the American flag from house top, hotel, stores, and private residences, all over the town, and a shout an- swered shout as flag after flag proudly rose into view; to the glad shouts along the river, Joe Souer sent back a ringing huzzah from the mast-head of the Marine City, in Belle River, when reefing her halyards, and soon her colors waved and nodded to the splendid line of craft and bunting on the St. Clair. In an hour's time the town was girt with flags from the Spademan, by the way of Catholic point, to Broadway bridge, full two miles in distance, and the beauty of the scene no pen can describe. How the heart quickened into new life, swelled in pride and beat with joy at the glorious spectacle! Each resident of Marine then felt that no town of equal size in Christendom could half match the display, and that despite the combative dispo- sitions of some, Marine's citizens were a unit for their town and country. Capt. Gordon, of the Blood, said the view from Recor's was superb, and something he had never seen equaled in his life, nor expected to again witness. Many went to the head of the island and to Sombra

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to gain better views of the beautiful sight, and all united in the opinion that Marine had cov- ered herself with glory-that such a sight was reserved for man to see but once."

The Marine City fleet of that year, referred to in the following table, conveys some idea of the immense ship-building trade:

SHIPPING INTERESTS.

The name, number of crew and tonnage in round numbers of each craft comprising the immense fleet in quarters at this port during the Centennial Year, gleaned from returns made by C. A. Blood, Customs Collector, are as follows:

Propellers- William Cowie, tonnage, 208; crew, 12; Abercorn, tonnage, 261; crew, 11; Mary Mills, tonnage, 244; crew, 10; D. W. Powers, tonnage, 363; crew, 14; N. K. Fairbank, tonnage, 980; crew, 15; Tempest, tonnage, 412; crew, 14; V. H. Ketcham, tonnage, 1,660; crew, 17; P. H. Birckhead, tonnage, 569; crew, 14; Gladys, tonnage, 337; crew, 7; D. F. Rose, tonnage, 258; crew, 12; Bay City, tonnage, 263; crew, 12; H. D. Coffinberry, tonnage, 650; crew, 16; Germania, tonnage, 261; crew, 12; George King, tonnage, 532; crew, 13; Porter Chamberlain, tonnage, 257; crew, 12; Mary Pringle, tonnage, 204; crew, 11; R. Hol- land, tonnage, 533; crew, 14.

Barges-Katie Brainard, tonnage, 413; crew, 6; Troy, tonnage, 486; crew, 7; Dayton, tonnage, 493, crew, 7; Marine City, tonnage, 337, crew, 6; Buckeye State, tonnage, 518, crew, 5; D. K. Clint, tonnage, 471, crew, 7; C. G. King, tonnage, 363; crew, 7; A. Gebhart, tonnage, 354; crew, 7; J. H. Rutter, tonnage, 1,224; crew, 9; Taylor, tonnage, 298; crew, 4; C. L. Young, tonnage, 382; crew, 5; C. H. Weeks, tonnage, 324; crew, 6; Charles Spademan, tonnage, 306; crew, 7.

Scows-St. Joseph, tonnage, 165; crew, 4; Canadian, tonnage, 17; crew, 3; C. J. Scott, tonnage, 13; crew, 2. Total tonnage, 14,156; crew, 308.

The tonnage here given was increased 96 tons when the Carrie H. Blood laid up, making a grand total of 14,252 tons. The Venice and Transport, also owned here, were laid up in To- ledo. The value of this fleet cannot fall short of $800,000. Its probable cost, new, was about $1,000,000. Marine City capitalists also own stock in the R. N. Rice and Northwest, steam- ers plying between Detroit and Cleveland; in the Escanaba & Lake Michigan line; in the Star line and steamer Marine City. The actual list of steamboats and propellers built at Ma - rine City previous to 1871 is given in the history of navigation.

THE MARINE CITY STAVE COMPANY.

The Marine City Stave Company was incorporated December 14, 1874, with C. McEl- roy, John Batten, William Jones, Hiram Chambers and Jacob McElroy, proprietors. The capital stock was $200,000, of which $80,000 were paid in at date of organization.

The actual organization of the company took place January 12, 1875, when Crocket Mc- Elroy, Henry C. French, James F. Buffum, O. C. Thompson and John Batten.

The present directors are the same as mentioned in report of January, 1881. The office is connected by telephone with Toledo, and many points in Michigan.

The last annual meeting of the Stave Company, held January 9, 1883. resulted in the election of James F. Buffum, of Detroit, Henry C. French, of Buffalo, C. McElroy, of St. Clair, Andrew McElroy and Frank McElroy, of Marine City, Directors. The officers elected were C. McElroy, President; Frank McElroy, Secretary and Treasurer. The Secretary's repor : shows that 12,039, 740 staves and 431,025 sets (or 17,241 bbls) heading were manufactured against 10,327,110 staves and 350,687 sets heading manufactured in 1881. There were shipped in 1882, 12,290,440 staves and 412,000 sets of heading. 1,249,609 feet of elm logs and 12,367 cords of bolts were bought against 3,628,902 feet of elm logs and 2,817 cords of bolts last year. The amount paid out by the company during the year for material and labor was $87,922.37.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

ALONZO ARNOLD, marine engineer and farmer, Section 3, P. O. Marine City, is a native of St. Clair County and was born in the town of Cottrellville December 31, 1848. He began sailing on the lakes when he was only thirteen years old, on the tug Wave. Since 1865 he has held the position of marine engineer and has run on the barge Trader, tug Ontario, the J. S. Estabrook and the V. H. Ketchum. Has been on the

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Ketchum for the past seven years. He owns a good farm of 120 acres, where he now lives. In 1872, in Marine City, he married Miss Emma Bean, a native of Marysville, this county. They have four children- May, Myrtle, Ivy and Emma.

ROBERT B. BAIRD, physician and surgeon, is a native of St. Clair County and was born in the town of East China May 31, 1856. His parents, Henry and Elizabeth Baird, came to this county in 1827, and were among the earliest settlers. They located on Belle River and lived there until two years prior to his death, which occurred in Port Huron January 21, 1877. His wife and two sons survive. Dr. R. B. Baird, the young- est son, was brought up and attended school in this county, studied medicine and graduated at the Detroit Medical College March 5, 1878, and since then has successfully practiced his profession here. He has served as member of the Council, and at the recent election was elected President of the village. Dr. Baird was married April 12, 1882, to Miss Feodore H. Cornell, of St. Clair, this county.

SIMON M. BAKER, planing mill and manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, is a native of Oswego, N. Y., and was born October 5, 1835. His parents removed to Canada in 1838, and he lived there until he was twelve years of age and then came to this side of the river. He afterward engaged in sailing for twelve or fourteen years. He sailed master of the Lady Jane, the T. G. Scott and the Eugene, and owned and sailed master of the E. J. Sexton. In 1860, he came to Marine and engaged in wagon and carriage making, and continued in the business about ten years, then established his present business and has since, with the excep- tion of a short time, has been engaged in manufacturing sash, blinds, doors, mouldings and contracting and building, and is the oldest in the business here. In 1853, he married Miss Beulah Blanchard, a native of this place. They have seven sons and three daughters-Roland G., Wellington, Calvin A., George W., Franklin, Burlington, William A., Lydia A., Cora E., Carrie A.

CAPT. HENRY BALFOUR, is a native of Scotland, and was born in Dundee February 22, 1840. He came with his parents to the United States and they settled in this county. He began sailing in 1859 on the Mary Collins, of Ashtabula. During the war he served in the navy on the gun boat Siren, in the Mississippi Squadron. After the war returned home, and has sailed master the "Forrester, "Mary Stockton," the " Leader," the "Hattie, "George W. Bissell," and for the past four years has sailed master of the "Buck Eye State." In 1862, he married Miss Maria Caswell, a native of this place; they have five children-Fran- ces, Catharine, Mary, William, Robert.

MARK D. BILLINGS, Superintendent Public Schools, is a native of Michian and was born in Lapeer County October 11, 1859. He attended school there, and before reaching his majority engaged in teaching in that county. In 1882, he came to Marine City and took charge of the schools here. He married Miss .Lucie Halle, November 13, 1879. She is a native of Lapeer County, Mich.

C. E. BLOOD, with firm of Blood & Hart, is a native of St. Clair County and was born here at Marine City. His father. Calvin Blood, came here in 1845, and his mother, Alice (Wilkins) Blood, in 1835. He was brought up and attended school here, and studied telegraphing. He had charge of the telegraph office here. Entered his father's store, and for the past six years has been with the firm of Blood & Hart. He has held the office of Township Treasurer, and now holds office of Treasurer of Marine City. In October, 1878, he mar- ried Miss Mate E. Dann, of this place, at Star Island. They have two children-Susie Belle and Carrie Alice.

CALVIN A. BLOOD, capitalist, is a native of the State of Vermont, and was born in the town of Essex, Chittenden County, November 13, 1824. He attended the common school and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. When eighteen years of age, went to Ohio and remained there two years, and in July, 1845, came to this county and settled at Marine City and began working at his trade, and was for many years engaged in building houses and boats, and erected many of the best buildings and residences. In 1857, he engaged in mercantile trade, and carried on the business for many years, and his sons and son-in-law, Messrs. Blood & Hart, now carry on the business established by him over a quarter of a century ago. In 1880, he was elected representative to the State Legislature, and has held town and school offices. When he began life he had nothing, and his success is the result of his own efforts. He is interested in real estate, vessel property and loaning money. Mr. Blood married Miss Alice L. Wilkins May 23, 1849. She is a native of Vermont and came here with her parents in 1835. They have six children-Mary C. (now Mrs. Frank Hart), Charles E. and Frederick C. (in business here), Carrie H. (now Mrs. Hubbard), Calvin P. (living in Cleveland) and Joseph G. at home.

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History of St. Clair County, Michigan, containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources, its war record, biographical sketches, the whole preceded by a history of Michigan, Part 119

Author: Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co. Number of Pages: 818

Author:
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, A.T. Andreas & Co.
Number of Pages: 818